NAU at World Expo 2025 Osaka: Showcasing the Best of Australian Design
Image Credits: All imagery in this blog is credited to © Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
We are proud to announce that NAU is an official partner of the Australia Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, a global event celebrating innovation, culture, and creativity. As a leading Australian furniture brand, NAU has been selected to furnish the Pavilion with a curated collection of contemporary pieces that reflect the essence of modern Australian design.
Designed by renowned Australian architecture firm Buchan, the Australia Pavilion draws inspiration from the vibrant blossom of the eucalyptus tree, symbolising the diversity and dynamism of Australian society. Inside, visitors embark on an immersive journey across Australia, exploring its landscapes, wildlife, and the deep cultural heritage of First Nations peoples.
NAU’s furniture plays a central role in shaping this experience. From the welcoming Pa Lounge in the foyer to the elegant Nami Dining Table and Arch Chairs in the boardroom, each piece has been thoughtfully selected to enhance the Pavilion’s atmosphere and functionality.
Designing the Pavilion Experience: Room by Room
Each space within the Australia Pavilion has been thoughtfully furnished with NAU pieces that reflect the spirit of contemporary Australian design—functional, elegant, and deeply connected to place.
Foyer & Lobby
As visitors enter the Pavilion, they are greeted by the Pa Lounge Chair by Timothy Robertson. Its sleek, sculptural form offers a warm welcome, setting the tone for the journey ahead with a balance of comfort and sophistication.
The Pa collection is an elegant seating range named in honour of Timothy Robertson’s furniture-maker father. Crafted from unique native Australian timbers, the collection includes a Lounge Chair, Dining Armchair, Dining Chair, and Counter/Bar Stool. The Pa Lounge Chair features a generous dual-radius backrest that allows for easy mobility and conversation, while its lightweight frame lets ambient light pass through, creating a sense of transparency and neutrality. This versatile design makes it suitable for a variety of social environments, from bars and lobbies to residential homes.
Special Events Lounge
This space is brought to life with the plush Billo Sofa, the bold curves of the Mega Tulip Armchair, and the ambient glow of the Jolly Double Pendant by Kate Stokes. Together, these pieces create a refined yet inviting atmosphere, perfect for intimate gatherings and cultural showcases.
Inspired by vintage Italian sofas, the Billo Sofa system combines classic elegance with modern versatility. It features pillowy, voluptuous forms and an integrated bolster, ensuring cloud-like comfort that embraces users with open arms. The infinite modularity of the Billo sofa allows each piece to function independently or be configured in various ways to suit different spaces.
The Mega Tulip Armchair is designed for the workplace of tomorrow, featuring organic curves and perfect proportions. Suitable for a plethora of commercial environments ranging from flexible workplaces to lobbies to public areas, Mega Tulip has a distinctive softness that also lends itself to residential settings. This flexible modular system is comprised of a diverse landscape of elements, from independent sofas and armchairs to straight or curved segments and high back booths.
The Jolly Double Pendant is an exploration of form and material. Translucent, hand-blown glass is juxtaposed against solid-coloured metal rods and shades to create a balance of material composition, while the asymmetric elfin-like form injects a cheerful sense of joy. The collection includes a single rod pendant, double rod pendant, and a compact wall light.
Function Room
The versatile Molloy Chairs, designed by Adam Goodrum, provide elegant seating for events and presentations. Their refined timber construction and ergonomic design make them ideal for both formality and comfort.
The Molloy collection features fluid detailing inspired by a rare act of nature. The idea for the artfully rounded joinery, where two elements meet and seamlessly become one, comes from the unusual meeting of two rivers to form the Molloy River in Western Australia.
Boardroom
At the heart of the Pavilion’s professional space is the Nami Dining Table, accompanied by the newly released Arch Chairs. This pairing exemplifies the cutting edge of Australian design—minimalist, functional, and beautifully crafted.
The Nami Dining Table is available in ash, oak, or walnut, and is made from flat-packing solid timber. This unique and sustainably-minded feature allows for lower-impact deliveries and installation in even small, challenging spaces. Designed with longevity in mind, intricate assembly details allow for tabletops to be replaced over time, if needed.
Terrace & Outdoor Areas
The Pavilion’s outdoor spaces are furnished with the Terrace Chair and Stool by Adam Cornish, offering durability and style under the Osaka sky. The Strand Bistro Table and Harbour Outdoor Armchair complete the setting, creating a relaxed yet refined environment for alfresco dining and reflection.
The Terrace collection is characterized by graphic lines, subtle curves, and a clean visual language. Hand-crafted in Melbourne, Terrace is made from durable stainless-steel wires that are curved incrementally to create an inviting and embracing seat. This comprehensive collection is designed to withstand harsh Australian conditions and accommodate all kinds of outdoor living.
The Strand Bistro Table is inspired by vintage steel furniture from the 1950s and is made from simple, tactile materials chosen for their honesty and ability to age with dignity. Taking cues from braided steel cables, three ‘strands’ work in unison to create the outline of the design.
Sustainability Through Cultivated
In line with our commitment to sustainability, all furniture used in the Pavilion will be returned and repurposed through our Cultivated initiative. This ensures that each piece continues its life beyond the Expo, contributing to a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.
Cultivated is NAU’s sustainability initiative dedicated to extending the lifecycle of our furniture through refurbishment and resale. By managing the return and reuse of all furniture pieces from the Expo, Cultivated aligns with our mission to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. This initiative not only minimizes environmental impact but also supports our commitment to responsible design and sustainable practices.
Through Cultivated, we ensure that our furniture continues to serve a purpose long after the Expo. Each piece is carefully refurbished to maintain its quality and aesthetic appeal, then resold to new owners who appreciate the value of sustainable design. This process not only reduces waste but also reinforces the importance of longevity and durability in contemporary furniture design.
By participating in Cultivated, customers can enjoy beautifully crafted furniture while contributing to a more sustainable future. This initiative reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility and our belief in the power of design to make a positive impact on the world.
Cultivated is NAU’s sustainability initiative dedicated to extending the lifecycle of our furniture through refurbishment and resale. By managing the return and reuse of all furniture pieces from the Expo, Cultivated aligns with our mission to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. This initiative not only minimizes environmental impact but also supports our commitment to responsible design and sustainable practices.
Through Cultivated, we ensure that our furniture continues to serve a purpose long after the Expo. Each piece is carefully refurbished to maintain its quality and aesthetic appeal, then resold to new owners who appreciate the value of sustainable design. This process not only reduces waste but also reinforces the importance of longevity and durability in contemporary furniture design.
By participating in Cultivated, customers can enjoy beautifully crafted furniture while contributing to a more sustainable future. This initiative reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility and our belief in the power of design to make a positive impact on the world.
Experience NAU in Osaka
“We are honoured to bring NAU’s vision of contemporary Australian design to World Expo 2025 in Osaka. Our participation underscores NAU’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and sustainability on a global stage.” — Richard Munao, Founder and Managing Director of NAU
We invite you to explore the Australia Pavilion at Expo 2025 and experience firsthand how Australian design can inspire, connect, and elevate. This is more than a showcase—it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and conscious design.
